Method for performing continuous deployment and feedback from a radio network node

ABSTRACT

Embodiments herein relate to a method for performing continuous deployment and feedback between a radio network node and a Continuous Deployment server. The radio network node is configured to mimic a behavior of a mobile terminal towards a core network. The radio network node sends a message comprising a request to establish an end-to-end connection with the CD server to a core network node. The message further comprises a mobile identity identifying the radio network node as a mobile terminal. The radio network node receives an access bearer establishing a user plane connection between radio network node and the core network node over a user plane interface, from the core network node. The radio network node establishes a communication channel between the radio network node and the CD server over the user plane interface and an external packet switched network. The radio network node exchanges information between the radio network node and the CD server over the established communication channel. Embodiments herein further relate to a method performed by a CD server, a radio network node and a CD server.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to a method and a radio network node forperforming continuous deployment and diagnostic and operations feedbackin a telecommunications network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Continuous Deployment (CD) is changing the software industry. It startedwith online and web applications and now taking over in embedded systemsproducts such as automobiles industries. One aim of CD is to minimizelead time, the time elapsed between development writing one new line ofcode and this new code being used by live users, in production. CDrelies on infrastructure that automates deployment and feedback processin quick and efficient manner.

CD allows the organization developing a software, such as e.g. a vendorof a radio network node, to deploy newly developed software code asfrequently and quickly as possible to production live systems, such ase.g. radio network nodes in commercial customer networks. Eachdeployment gives the development organization fast feedback and bringsnew functionality to the receiving customer. This is a contrast to whathas been exercised for years where the first deployment comes after along period of development work, usually months for a new radio networknode software.

Currently, executing operations and maintenance activities such assoftware update, performance and diagnostic data collection is doneutilizing an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) interface in the radionetwork node. In a typical telecommunication network, the O&M interfaceis separated from a user/control plane interface. In an LTE network, asan example, the O&M interface of the radio network node usually sharesthe same physical interface with the user/control plane interface,wherein the interface is used by actual mobile subscribers for user andcontrol plane traffic, although with a separate IP address. This allowsthe transport network to separate between O&M traffic and userplane/control plane.

The O&M network is however a secure and private network which may onlybe accessed by obtaining several levels of security credentials from theoutside. Establishing a connection to a radio network node requirestypically an access to a Management System, by which a session can beestablished to an O&M address of the radio network node. Therefore,uploading new software into a radio network node, or sending diagnosticand performance data to the vendor requires passing through severallayers of security gates.

As mentioned above, CD needs automation to work efficiently. Configuringthe O&M network to allow external access, such as from the vendor'sside, with decent bandwidth in order to continuously transfer nodespecific data, such as diagnostics, new software, performance data etc.,is time consuming, difficult, costly and in many cases requires manualintervention. Creating an external access to the radio network noderequires, in addition, configuring several gateways to allow the access.Therefore, this process is difficult to generalize as it depends on thepolicies and the network configurations of the individual operator. Thismakes it rather difficult to have an automated CD process using the O&Marchitecture.

The current paradigm of O&M is well suited to infrequent softwaredeployments without the need for constant gathering of diagnostic andperformance data from to the vendor's side. Therefore, passinginformation from and to the radio network node is commonly a manualoperation. The architecture is not meant to facilitate continuousdeployment focusing on automating and high deployment frequency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of embodiments herein to provide a method forperforming continuous deployment for a radio network node whichovercomes the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to a first aspect of embodiments herein, the object isachieved by a method performed by a radio network node, for performingcontinuous deployment and feedback between the radio network node and aContinuous Deployment (CD) server. The radio network node is configuredto mimic a behavior of a mobile terminal towards a core network. Theradio network node sends a message to a core network node, comprising arequest to establish an end-to-end connection with the CD server. Themessage further comprises a mobile identity identifying the radionetwork node as a mobile terminal. The radio network node receives aRadio Access Bearer, RAB, establishing a user plane connection betweenthe radio network node and the core network node over a user planeinterface from the core network node. A communication channel isestablished between the radio network node and the CD server over a userplane interface and an external packet switched network. The radionetwork node and the CD server further exchange information over theestablished communication channel.

According to a second aspect of embodiments herein, the object isachieved by a method performed by a Continuous Deployment (CD) server,for performing continuous deployment and feedback between a radionetwork node and the CD server. The radio network node is configured tomimic a behavior of a mobile terminal towards a core network. The CDserver establishes a communication channel between the radio networknode and the CD server over a user plane interface and an externalpacket switched network. The CD server and the radio network nodeexchange information over the established communication channel.

According to a third aspect of embodiments herein, the object isachieved by a radio network node, for performing continuous deploymentand feedback between the radio network node and a Continuous Deployment(CD) server. The radio network node is configured to mimic a behavior ofa mobile terminal towards a core network. The radio network node isconfigured to send a message comprising a request to establish anend-to-end connection with the CD server to the core network node. Themessage further comprises a mobile identity identifying the radionetwork node as a mobile terminal. The radio network node is configuredto receive a Radio Access Bearer, RAB, establishing a user planeconnection between the radio network node and the core network node overa user plane interface from the core network node. The radio networknode is further configured to establish a communication channel betweenthe radio network node and the CD server over the user plane interfaceand an external packet switched network. The radio network node isfurther configured to exchange information between the radio networknode and the CD server over the established communication channel.

According to a fourth aspect of embodiments herein, the object isachieved by a Continuous Deployment (CD) server, for performingcontinuous deployment and feedback between a radio network node and theCD server. The radio network node is configured to mimic a behavior of amobile terminal towards a core network. The CD server is configured toestablish a communication channel between the radio network node and theCD server over a user plane interface and an external packet switchednetwork. The CD server is further configured to exchange informationbetween the radio network node and the CD server over the establishedcommunication channel.

It is furthermore provided herein a computer program comprisinginstructions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause theat least one processor to carry out any of the methods above, asperformed by the radio network node. It is additionally provided hereina computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon a computerprogram comprising instructions which, when executed on at least oneprocessor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the methodaccording to any of the methods above, as performed by the radio networknode.

It is furthermore provided herein a computer program comprisinginstructions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause theat least one processor to carry out any of the methods above, asperformed by the CD server. It is additionally provided herein acomputer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon a computerprogram comprising instructions which, when executed on at least oneprocessor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the methodaccording to any of the methods above, as performed by the CD server.

The embodiments herein use an existing user path for UEs to establish asecure connection to the CD server.

The embodiments thereby enable a drastically reduced deployment cycle incomparison to deployment over the O&M network by removing obstacles toautomation of the deployment activity.

The embodiments herein further have the benefit that they allow nearreal time feedback to be received from nodes by the CD Server. Thisallows the vendor of the network node to have greater visibility andrequired data for diagnostic and performance evaluation.

Furthermore, labor and workforce cost is reduced thereby contributing toa lower operational and maintenance cost of the network nodes.

DEFINITIONS Abbreviation Explanation VSE Virtual Subscriber Entity. VPNVirtual Private Network. MME Mobility Management Entity. CD ContinuousDeployment. UE User Equipment. O&M Operation and Maintenance

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described in more detail in relation to theenclosed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic overview depicting a communication networkaccording to prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic overview depicting a communication networkaccording to embodiments herein;

FIG. 3 is a signaling diagram depicting an attach procedure for theradio network node according to embodiments herein;

FIG. 4 is a signaling diagram depicting a service procedure for theradio network node according to embodiments herein;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting a method performed by a radio networknode according to embodiments herein;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method performed by a ContinuousDeployment server according to embodiments herein;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting a radio network node according toembodiments herein;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting a Continuous Deployment serveraccording to embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 discloses an example of a known communication network, whichallows the transport network to separate between O&M traffic and userplane/control plane. The radio network node 110 is connected to aNetwork Management System (NMS) 160 via an O&M network 170 and mayexchange information with the NMS 160 via a physical interface which mayalso be used as the user/control plane interface. The same interface mayfurther be used by one or more mobile terminals 130, such as a UE, foruser and control plane traffic. The O&M network 170 is a secure andprivate network which may be only accessed by obtaining several levelsof security credentials from the outside. Establishing a connection tothe radio network node 110 typically first requires access to aManagement System, by which a session may be established to an O&Maddress of the radio network node 110. Therefore, uploading new softwareinto the radio network node 110, or sending diagnostic and performancedata to the vendor via the O&M network 170 is very complex and timeconsuming since it requires passing through several layers of securitygates.

FIG. 2 shows a communications network 100 according to the embodimentsdisclosed herein. The radio network node 110, such as e.g. an eNB, a gNBor a 2G/3G radio network node, mimics the behavior of a mobile terminal130, such as e.g. a UE, towards the core network. The radio network nodemay e.g. transmit a mobile identity to a core network node 140, whichwill identify the radio network node 110 as a mobile terminal. Hence,the radio network node 110 will look like a real UE with realsubscription to the Core Network side. The radio network node 110 maye.g. comprise a Virtual Subscriber Entity (VSE) being configured withthe mobile identity. This will allow the radio network node 110, and/orthe VSE, to utilize the existing internet connection that is availablefor commercial mobile terminals 130, such as UEs, to establish acommunication channel 160 with the CD server. In an embodiment hereinrelating to LTE, the mobile identity may be an IMSI and the connectionto the core network may be initiated by the radio network node bysending an attach request Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message or a servicerequest NAS message.

The radio network node 110 and/or the VSE may be programmed a vendor ofthe radio network node 110 to establish the communication channel 160with the CD server provided by the vendor only. The communicationchannel 160 may be an end-to-end (E2E) connection between the radionetwork node 110 and the CD server 120. The communication channel 160may further be secure connection, such as e.g. using a Virtual PrivateNetwork (VPN) application. Thereby, the risk of the radio network node110 being hacked and/or the VSE being used as a backdoor means to gainaccess to the radio network node 110 by non-authorized servers isreduced. The communication channel 160 may be established by utilizingan existing control and user plane interface between the radio networknode and a user plane interface in order to provide access to anexternal packet switched network (PS) 150, for the radio network node110. The external PS network 150 may be one of, or a combination of morethan one of, a public, private or hosted network; the PS network 150,may be a backbone network or the Internet. The user plane interface mayin an embodiment relating to LTE be an S1 interface.

As mentioned, from a perspective of the core network, the connectionwill be perceived just like any normal subscriber using a mobileterminal for establishing a secure connection, such as e.g. a subscriberreading his work email from a mobile phone. However, on the side of theradio network node 110, the radio network node 110, and/or the VSEcomprised in the radio network node 110, initiates and terminates theuser plane traffic. Hence, the user plane traffic over the establishedcommunication channel 160 does not require any radio resources, such ase.g. RRC connections, which is the case when the user plane traffic isinitiated and terminated at a genuine mobile device 130, such as e.g. aUE. Thereby, the Continuous Deployment according to the embodimentsherein does not consume any radio resources and thus does not adverselyaffect the radio connection, such as e.g. RRC signaling between genuinemobile devices 130 and the radio network node. The radio network node110, and/or the VSE comprised in the radio network node 110, may signala pre-defined or configured mobile identity with a core network node140, such as e.g. an MME, and may obtain an access bearer, such as e.g.a Radio Access Bearer (RAB) or an Enhanced Radio Access Bearer (E-RAB)depending on the technology used, in order to establish a user planeconnection over the user plane interface.

By allowing the radio network node and the CD server to establish aconnection via the user plane interface and the external network adramatically shortened deployment cycle is enabled by removing obstaclespreventing automation of the deployment activity.

Furthermore, near real time feedback can be received from radio networknodes to the CD Server allowing the vendor to have greater visibilityand enough data for diagnostic and performance evaluation.

Labor and workforce cost may also be reduced, thereby contributing to alower operational and maintenance cost of the radio network node.

FIG. 3 shows a signaling diagram according to one embodiment herein, inwhich the message requesting to establish an end-to-end connection withthe CD server is an S1AP attach procedure, which may be used by theradio network node 110 to gain access to NAS-level services, such ase.g. Internet connectivity, via the core network node 140.

The attach procedure starts with the radio network node 110, and/or theVSE comprised in the radio network node 110, triggering an attachprocedure towards the core network node 140. If this is the first timethe radio network node 110, and/or the VSE, attaches to the corenetwork, the radio network node 110, and/or the VSE, may send an attachrequest NAS message 301 comprising its mobile identity, such as e.g. anIMSI number. If the radio network node 110, and/or the VSE, has beenpreviously connected to the core network node the radio network node110, and/or the VSE, will use its previously obtained Globally UniqueTemporary UE Identity (GUTI) value from the core network node 140, suchas the MME, when applicable.

The core network node 140 may trigger the authentication and securitymode command procedure by sending a downlink NAS transport message overS1AP comprising a NAS message Authentication Request 302. The radionetwork node 110, and/or the VSE, will then respond with anAuthentication Response 303 carried by an S1AP Uplink NAS transportmessage. This is followed by a Security Mode Command NAS message 304carried with an S1AP Downlink NAS transport message. The radio networknode 110, and/or the VSE, may respond with a Security Mode Complete 305sent via S1AP Uplink NAS Transport. The radio access bearerestablishment, such as e.g. an Enhanced Radio Bearer (E-RAB)establishment procedure starts with the core network node 140 sending anInitial UE context Setup S1AP setup message with an embedded AttachAccept NAS message 306. The radio network node 110, and/or the VSE, mayreply with an Initial Context Setup response message 307 and followingthat an Uplink NAS transport message with an Attach Complete NAS message308. By the end of this procedure the radio network node 110, and/or theVSE, will be able to start sending user plane data using the newlyestablished radio access bearer over the S1 interface and the NAS.

FIG. 4 shows a signaling diagram according to one embodiment herein, inwhich the message requesting to establish an end-to-end connection withthe CD server is an S1AP service request procedure, which may be used bythe radio network node 110 to resume existing bearers set up during theattach procedure disclosed in FIG. 3 in order to gain access to theNAS-level services via the core network node 140. When the existingradio bearers are resumed encryption of the transmission may be set upwithout having to perform the security and authentication procedure, asperformed during the attach procedure. Hence, during the service requestprocedure only the actions for setting up the radio bearer have to beperformed. The procedure starts with the radio network node 110 sendingan S1AP Initial UE message comprising a NAS service request with itsmobile identity 401. The access bearer establishment procedure, such ase.g. a Radio Access Bearer (RAB) or an Enhanced Radio Bearer (E-RAB)establishment depending on the technology, then starts with the corenetwork node 140 sending an Initial UE context Setup S1AP setup request.The radio network node 110, and/or the VSE, may reply with an InitialContext Setup response message 403.

The method actions performed by the radio network node 110, forperforming continuous deployment and feedback between the radio networknode 110 and a CD server 120 according to embodiments herein, will nowbe described with reference to a flowchart depicted in FIG. 5. The radionetwork node 110 is configured to mimic the behavior of a mobileterminal 130, such as e.g. a UE, towards the core network.

The actions do not have to be taken in the order stated below, but maybe taken in any suitable order. Actions performed in some embodimentsonly are marked with dashed boxes.

Action 5010: The radio network node 110 sends, to a core network node140, a message comprising a request to establish an end-to-endconnection with the CD server, such as e.g. an attach request or aservice request. The message further comprises a mobile identityidentifying the radio network node 110 as a mobile terminal. The mobileidentity may e.g. be an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)or any temporary identity provided by the core network, such as e.g. aGUTI. The radio network node 110 may e.g. comprise a Virtual SubscriberEntity (VSE), which has an IMSI and acts as the mobile terminal towardsthe core network.

Action 5020: The radio network node 110 receives, from the core networknode 140, an Access Bearer, such as e.g. a Radio Access Bearer (RAB) oran Enhanced Radio Access Bearer (E-RAB) depending on the technologyused, establishing a user plane connection between the radio networknode 110 and the core network node 140 over a user plane interface, suchas e.g. an S1 interface.

Action 5030: The radio network node 110 establishes a communicationchannel 160 between the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120over the user plane interface and an external packet switched network150, such as e.g. over the internet.

The communication channel 160 may be an end-to-end (E2E) connectionbetween the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120, such that theuser plane communication is terminated when it reaches the radio networknode 110 and/or the CD server 120.

In some embodiment the communication channel 160 between the radionetwork node 110 and the CD server 120 may be a secure connection, suchas e.g. a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. Thus, unauthorizedusers may be prevented from accessing information exchanged between theradio network node 110 and the CD server 120.

Action 5040: The radio network node 110 exchanges information betweenthe radio network node 110 and the CD server 120 over the establishedcommunication channel 160.

Exchanging information may comprise the radio network node 110 sendingdata from an internal storage to the CD server 120. The data sent to theCD server 120 may e.g. comprise software files, diagnostic data and/orperformance data of the radio network node 110.

Exchanging information may further comprise the radio network node 110receiving data from the CD server 120. The data received from the CDserver 120 may e.g. comprise new software to be loaded onto the radionetwork node 110, patches and/or configurations for the radio networknode 110. When the data has been received by the radio network node 110it may be loaded onto the radio network node 110 in order to update thesoftware or configuration of the radio network node 110.

Hence, the exchanged information is related to the radio network node110.

The method actions performed by the Continuous Deployment (CD) server120, for performing continuous deployment and feedback between a radionetwork node 110 and the CD server 120 according to embodiments herein,will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in FIG. 6.The radio network node 110 is configured to mimic a behavior of a mobileterminal 130, such as e.g. a UE towards a core network. The actions donot have to be taken in the order stated below, but may be taken in anysuitable order. Actions performed in some embodiments only are markedwith dashed boxes.

Action 6010: The CD server 120 establishes a communication channel 160between the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120 over a userplane interface, such as e.g. an S1 interface, and an external packetswitched network 150, such as e.g. the internet.

The communication channel 160 may be an end-to-end (E2E) connectionbetween the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120, such that theuser plane communication is terminated when it reaches the radio networknode 110 and/or the CD server 120.

The communication channel 160 between the CD server 120 and the radionetwork node 110 may further be a secure connection, such as e.g. aVirtual Private Network (VPN) connection. Thus, unauthorized users maybe prevented from accessing information exchanged between the CD server120 and the radio network node 110.

Action 6020: The CD server 120 exchanges information between the radionetwork node 110 and the CD server 120, which may also be referred to asexchanging information with the radio network node 110, over theestablished communication channel 160.

The action of exchanging of information may comprise the CD server 120receiving data from an internal storage in the radio network node 110.The data received from the radio network node 110 may comprise softwarefiles, diagnostic data and/or performance data relating to the radionetwork node 110.

The action of exchanging information may further comprise the CD server120 sending data to the radio network node 110. The data sent to theradio network node 110 may e.g. comprise new software, patches and/orconfigurations for the radio network node 110.

Hence, the exchanged information is related to the radio network node110.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting the radio network node 110, forperforming continuous deployment and feedback between the radio networknode 110 and a Continuous Deployment (CD) server. The radio network node110 is configured to mimic a behavior of a mobile terminal 130, such ase.g. a UE, towards the core network.

The radio network node 110 may comprise a processing unit 701, such ase.g. one or more processors, a sending unit 702, a receiving unit 703,an establishing unit 704, and an exchanging unit 705 as exemplifyinghardware units configured to perform the methods described herein.

The radio network node 110, the sending unit 702 and/or the processingunit 701 is configured to send, to a core network node 140, a messagecomprising a request to establish an end-to-end connection with the CDserver, such as e.g. an attach request and/or a service request. Themessage further comprises a mobile identity identifying the radionetwork node 110 as a mobile terminal. The mobile identity may e.g. bean International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or any temporaryidentity provided by the core network, such as e.g. a GUTI.

The radio network node 110, the receiving unit 703 and/or the processingunit 701 is further configured to receive, from the core network node140, an access bearer, such as e.g. a RAB or an E-RAB, establishing auser plane connection between the radio network node 110 and the corenetwork node 140 over a user plane interface, such as e.g. an S1interface.

The radio network node 110, the establishing unit 704 and/or theprocessing unit 701 is configured to establish a communication channel160 between the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120 over theuser plane interface and an external packet switched network 150, suchas e.g. the internet.

The radio network node 110, the establishing unit 704 and/or theprocessing unit 701 may further be configured to establish an end-to-end(E2E) connection as a communication channel 160 between the radionetwork node 110 and the CD server 120, such that the user planecommunication is terminated when it reaches the radio network node 110and/or the CD server 120.

The radio network node 110, the establishing unit 704 and/or theprocessing unit 701 may further be configured to establish a is a secureconnection, such as e.g. a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection, asa communication channel 160 between the radio network node 110 and theCD server 120.

The radio network node 110, the exchanging unit 705 and/or theprocessing unit 701 is configured to exchange information between theradio network node 110 and the CD server 120 over the establishedcommunication channel 160.

The radio network node 110, the exchanging unit 705, the sending unit702 and/or the processing unit 701 may further be configured to exchangeinformation between the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120 bybeing configured to send data from an internal storage in the radionetwork node 110 to the CD server 120. The data sent to the CD server120 may comprise software files, diagnostic data and/or performance dataof the radio network node.

The radio network node 110, the exchanging unit 705, the receiving unit703 and/or the processing unit 701 may further be configured to exchangeinformation by being configured to receive data from the CD server 120.The data received from the CD server 120 may comprise new software to beloaded, patches and/or configurations for the radio network node.

The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processoror one or more processors, such as the processing unit 701 of aprocessing circuitry in the radio network node depicted in FIG. 7,together with respective computer program code for performing thefunctions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program codementioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, forinstance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program codefor performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the radionetwork node 110. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc.It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick.The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure programcode on a server and downloaded to the radio network node 110.

The radio network node 110 may further comprise a memory 706. The memory706 comprises one or more memory units to be used to store data on, suchas software, patches, system information, configurations, diagnosticdata, performance data and/or applications to perform the methodsdisclosed herein when being executed, and similar.

The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the radionetwork node 110 are respectively implemented by means of e.g. acomputer program 707 or a computer program product, comprisinginstructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on atleast one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out theactions described herein, as performed by the radio network node 110.The computer program 707 may be stored on a computer-readable storagemedium 708, e.g. a disc or similar. The computer-readable storage medium708, having stored thereon the computer program, may compriseinstructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause theat least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, asperformed by the radio network node 110. In some embodiments, thecomputer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting the CD server 120, for performingcontinuous deployment and feedback between the radio network node 110and the CD server 120. The radio network node 110 is configured to mimicthe behavior of a mobile terminal 130, such as e.g. a UE, towards thecore network.

The CD server 120 may comprise a processing unit 801, such as e.g. oneor more processors, a sending unit 802, a receiving unit 803, anestablishing unit 804, and an exchanging unit 805 as exemplifyinghardware units configured to perform the methods described herein.

The CD server 120, the establishing unit 804 and/or the processing unit801 is configured to establish a communication channel 160 between theCD server 120 and the radio network node 110 over the user planeinterface and the external packet switched network 150, such as e.g. theinternet.

The CD server 120, the establishing unit 804 and/or the processing unit801 may further be configured to establish an end-to-end (E2E)connection as a communication channel 160 between the CD server 120 andthe radio network node 110, such that the user plane communication isterminated when it reaches the radio network node 110 and/or the CDserver 120.

The CD server 120, the establishing unit 804 and/or the processing unit801 may further be configured to establish a is a secure connection,such as e.g. a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection, as acommunication channel 160 between the radio network node 110 and the CDserver 120.

The CD server 120, the exchanging unit 805 and/or the processing unit801 is configured to exchange information between the CD server 120 andthe radio network node 110 over the established communication channel160.

The CD server 120, the exchanging unit 805, the receiving unit 803and/or the processing unit 801 may further be configured to exchangeinformation between the radio network node 110 and the CD server 120 bybeing configured to receive data from an internal storage in the radionetwork node 120. The data received from the radio network node 110 maycomprise software files, diagnostic data and/or performance data of theradio network node 110.

The CD server 120, the exchanging unit 805, the sending unit 802 and/orthe processing unit 801 may further be configured to exchangeinformation by being configured to send data to the radio network node110. The data sent to the radio network node 110 may comprise newsoftware to be loaded, patches and/or configurations for the radionetwork node 110.

The embodiments herein may be implemented through a respective processoror one or more processors, such as the processing unit 801 of aprocessing circuitry in the CD server depicted in FIG. 8, together withrespective computer program code for performing the functions andactions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above mayalso be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the formof a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing theembodiments herein when being loaded into the CD server. One suchcarrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible withother data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program codemay furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server anddownloaded to the CD server 120.

The CD server 120 may further comprise a memory 806. The memory 806comprises one or more memory units to be used to store data on, such assoftware, patches, system information, configurations, diagnostic data,performance data and/or applications to perform the methods disclosedherein when being executed, and similar. The methods according to theembodiments described herein for the CD server 120 are respectivelyimplemented by means of e.g. a computer program 807 or a computerprogram product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions,which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least oneprocessor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by theCD server 120. The computer program 807 may be stored on acomputer-readable storage medium 808, e.g. a disc or similar.

The computer-readable storage medium 808, having stored thereon thecomputer program, may comprise instructions which, when executed on atleast one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out theactions described herein, as performed by the CD server 120. In someembodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

As will be readily understood by those familiar with communicationsdesign, that functions means or units may be implemented using digitallogic and/or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or otherdigital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the variousfunctions may be implemented together, such as in a singleapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or moreseparate devices with appropriate hardware and/or software interfacesbetween them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processorshared with other functional components of a network node, for example.

Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processingmeans discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware,while others are provided with hardware for executing software, inassociation with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term“processor” or “controller” as used herein does not exclusively refer tohardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include,without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-onlymemory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory for storingsoftware and/or program or application data, and non-volatile memory.Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.Designers of network nodes will appreciate the cost, performance, andmaintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices.

The embodiments herein may also be performed by a Virtual SubscriberEntity (VSE) comprised in the radio network node, such as an eNB. TheVSE may be configured to perform the method actions according to theembodiments herein. The VSE may have access to an internal systemmanagement database and information in the radio network node and maysend and receive data to/from the CD server by acting as a commercialUE.

When using the word “comprise” or “comprising” it shall be interpretedas non-limiting, i.e. meaning “consist at least of”. When using the word“set” herein, it shall be interpreted as meaning “one or more”.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings represent non-limiting examples of the methods andapparatus taught herein. As such, the apparatus and techniques taughtherein are not limited by the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings. Instead, the embodiments herein are limited only by thefollowing claims and their legal equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a radio network node,for performing continuous deployment and feedback between the radionetwork node and a Continuous Deployment, CD, server, wherein the radionetwork node is configured to mimic a behavior of a mobile terminaltowards a core network, wherein the method comprises: sending, to a corenetwork node, a message comprising a request to establish an end-to-endconnection with the CD server, which message further comprises a mobileidentity identifying the radio network node as a mobile terminal,receiving, from the core network node, an access bearer, establishing auser plane connection between radio network node and the core networknode over a user plane interface, establishing a communication channelbetween the radio network node and the CD server over the user planeinterface and an external packet switched network, and exchanginginformation between the radio network node and the CD server over theestablished communication channel, wherein the radio network node is aneNB, a gNB or a 2G/3G radio network node and is not the mobile terminal.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of exchanginginformation comprises the radio network node sending data from aninternal storage in the radio network node to the CD server.
 3. Themethod according to claim 2, wherein the data sent to the CD servercomprises software files, diagnostic data and/or performance data of theradio network node.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the stepof exchanging information comprises the radio network node receivingdata from the CD server.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein thedata received from the CD server comprises new software to be loaded,patches and/or configurations for the radio network node to update thesoftware or configurations of the radio network node.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the mobile identity is an InternationalMobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI or a temporary identity provided by thecore network.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein thecommunication channel is an end-to-end, E2E, connection between theradio network node and the CD server, such that the user planecommunication is terminated when it reaches the radio network nodeand/or the CD server.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein thecommunication channel between the radio network node and the CD serveris a secure connection, wherein the secure connection is a VirtualPrivate Network, VPN, connection.
 9. The method according to claim 1,wherein the radio network node comprises a Virtual Subscriber Entity,VSE, for signalling the mobile identity to the core network node,wherein the VSE comprises an International Mobile Subscriber Identity,IMSI, or a temporary identity provided by the core network.
 10. A methodperformed by Continuous Deployment, CD, server, for performingcontinuous deployment and feedback between a radio network node and theCD server, wherein the radio network node is configured to mimic abehavior of a mobile terminal towards a core network, wherein the methodcomprises: establishing a communication channel between the radionetwork node and the CD server over a user plane interface and anexternal packet switched network, and exchanging information between theradio network node and the CD server over the established communicationchannel, wherein the radio network node is an eNB, a gNB or a 2G/3Gradio network node and is not the mobile terminal.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the step of exchanging informationcomprises the CD server receiving data from an internal storage of theradio network node.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein thedata received from the radio network node comprises software files,diagnostic data and/or performance data of the radio network node. 13.The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of exchanginginformation comprises the CD server sending data to the radio networknode.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the data sent to theradio network node comprises new software to be loaded, patches and/orconfigurations for the radio network node to update the software orconfigurations of the radio network node.
 15. A radio network node, forperforming continuous deployment and feedback between the radio networknode and a Continuous Deployment, CD, server, wherein the radio networknode is configured to mimic a behavior of a mobile terminal towards acore network, wherein the radio network node comprises: a sending unitbeing configured to send, to a core network node, a message comprising arequest to establish an end-to-end connection with the CD server, whichmessage comprises a mobile identity identifying the radio network nodeas a mobile terminal, a receiving unit being configured to receive, fromthe core network node, an access bearer establishing a user planeconnection between the radio network node and the core network node overan user plane interface, an establishing unit being configured toestablish a communication channel between the radio network node and theCD server over the user plane interface and an external packet switchednetwork, and an exchanging unit being configured to exchange informationbetween the radio network node and the CD server over the establishedcommunication channel, wherein the radio network node is an eNB, a gNBor a 2G/3G radio network node and is not the mobile terminal.
 16. AContinuous Deployment, CD, server, for performing continuous deploymentand feedback between a radio network node and the CD server, wherein theradio network node is configured to mimic a behavior of a mobileterminal towards a core network, wherein the CD server comprises: anestablishing unit being configured to establish a communication channelbetween the radio network node and the CD server over a user planeinterface and an external packet switched network, and an exchangingunit being configured to exchange information between the radio networknode and the CD server over the established communication channel,wherein the radio network node is an eNB, a gNB or a 2G/3G radio networknode and is not the mobile terminal.